Dean Barker and American Magic have been a credit to the America's Cup. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Dean Barker and American Magic have been a credit to the America's Cup. Photo / Brett Phibbs
OPINION:
The history of the America's Cup is littered with controversy, legal fights, acrimony and an ugliness which can come when the stakes are so high and the competition fierce.
A combination of serious money, big egos and people who are used to getting their own way can lead toa bad outcome.
Witnessing the showcase event in the sport which has captured me since I was a child portraying such a negative aspect of human nature never reflected my own experiences in sailing.
To confess, I expected more of the same ugliness in this 36th edition of the America's Cup.
Instead, what we have been privileged to see is a level of sportsmanship and honesty that is refreshing and in today's world most welcome.
The way American Magic's beleaguered skipper Terry Hutchinson has handled himself over these past weeks has my respect. He has always fronted. He has been honest, humble and has had the courage to show his emotions. He has not sought to apportion blame to others, nor to complain, belittle or take cheap shots at his competitors.
American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson. Photo / Getty
Hutchinson led his team well. One of his most memorable statements was "we win as a team and we lose as a team".
Teammate-ship is a big deal to us here in New Zealand. A leader who puts the team first and credits them when things are going well, and who fronts to take the heat when things are not, is how we roll here in Aotearoa.
And let's not forget this is an American we are talking about here.
The contrast to another American leader who has lost a competitive race (albeit in a different context) recently could not be greater. Hutchinson's approach, the way he has handled himself, has rightly drawn praise and respect over these past weeks.
Adversity reveals character.
Dean Barker and American Magic have been a credit to the America's Cup. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Hutchinson has shown his to be honourable, gracious and humble. While his team bow out of this 36th America's Cup with a blank on the scoresheet amid inevitable criticism, he has won a bigger contest.
He has won the respect of his competitors, the wider sailing community and New Zealanders.
In te reo Māori the word mana is not bestowed lightly. The concept is difficult to translate into English, but Kiwis know it when we see it. We also instinctively recognise a rangatira worthy of our respect.
